Filter question

[LastSamuRy]

So I just picked up a 75g and I purchased an fx6. I know that it could probably handle the bioload by itsself but was thinking about getting a second filter just for extra help. Was thinking of a polar aurora filter. Any thoughts?

[bluelagoon]

A FX6 would be too much flow for a 4 foot tank and and discus in a standard 75 gal. I can picture in my mind that it would look more like a salt water tank flow.

[dornblaser]

I run two SunSun HW-3000 on my 75-gallon tank for redundancy and more biological media, most filters have adjustable flows so you should be able to dial in your FX6 but that is a beast of a filter.

[BrendanJ23]

So I just picked up a 75g and I purchased an fx6. I know that it could probably handle the bioload by itsself but was thinking about getting a second filter just for extra help. Was thinking of a polar aurora filter. Any thoughts?

You could run both, just dial the flow back via the valves. Just be sure to do this per Fluval instructions.

[bluelagoon]

You could run 4, but a FX6 is a bit over kill for a 75 gal. I have one one 6 foot 125 gal and it does a good job and plenty of flow for the whole tank.

[seanyuki]

I use an Aquaclear 110 for 75 gallons tanks.

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[bluelagoon]

I have a few of those ac110's. The best and simplest filter ever made.

[Moreetta]

I have a few of those ac110's. The best and simplest filter ever made.

I agree with this. Not much to worry about, it's amazing.

[number1sixerfan]

FX6 can be fine on the tank, but in a 75g I would only add another, smaller hang on the back. I have an FX6 on a 90g, which is similar, and it's just fine. And that's with another eheim canister. The FX6 flow can be severely reduced by the flow dial on the top of the canister and by how you position the outlets (mine point toward the surface which agitates the surface and diverts the flow a bit). I have both it and the eheim on the lowest flow setting, aimed in the same direction. No problems.

On a 75 though, I probably wouldn't add another canister. Probably only a HOB.. but honestly, you don't need to. I would maybe just buy one to have on hand in case the FX6 ever dies.

[Shan_Evolved]

I use an Aquaclear 110 for 75 gallons tanks.

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Wow franky that setup looks fantastic

[Iminit]

Yes Francis great looking setup!! But the chair does need a little help! Maybe a recliner?

[Iminit]

I’ve got the fx6 on my 125 and it does seem like enough. I do use a second filter. A odyssea 350. This is a powerhead with 2 sponges. But just for a backup filter. For a 75 it’s a lot. I too would go with an fx4. Actually I’d go with 2 hob filters. On my 90g I use a tidal 110 and a marineland 350 and it’s more than enough.

[bluelagoon]

Plus I don't see why you would want to turn the flow back. Filters are rated by how much turn over is needed for the size tank being used on. Kind of redundant I would think. But still a bit bigger than is better than too small, is still the best way to go. Sometimes I find some filters are over rated from my experience with different bands. As long as you have plenty of flow at the surface to make surface area bigger that's all you need along with turn over. Some folks use air stones to achieve this to expanded surface area, which is needed for gas exchange which happens at the surface from barometric pressure. Not from the filters themselves; they need the oxygen for the BB to thrive. That's why turn over is import.

[number1sixerfan]

Plus I don't see why you would want to turn the flow back. Filters are rated by how much turn over is needed for the size tank being used on. Kind of redundant I would think.

Almost all filters are overrated, and you tweak a variable or two and it's all customizable. I wouldn't buy a FX6 for a 75g tank, but if he already has it (which it sounds like) and can't return it.. there's definitely no reason to forgo using it. But as I said before, there's definitely no need for an additional filter however.

[Iminit]

Just for the record the fx6 is for a 400g tank and moves close to 1000 gph. The fx4 is for a 250g and moves 700gph. These filters were made for bigger tanks. I don’t know if the rated flow rate is with or without media. But it really is overkill on a 75.